Raven Baxter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raven Baxter
|
|
|---|---|
Baxter in 2020
|
|
| Other names | Raven the Science Maven |
| Education |
|
| Employer | Buffalo Public Schools, Erie Community College |
Raven Baxter is an American science communicator and STEM educator. She is known for making science fun and easy to understand. Baxter started sharing science education videos online in 2017. She uses the name Raven the Science Maven for her work.
Contents
Education and Learning
Raven Baxter studied biology at Buffalo State College. She earned her first degree in 2014 and a master's degree in 2016. Later, in 2021, she completed her Ph.D. at the University at Buffalo. Her advanced studies focused on how to teach science in ways that connect with different cultures. She also received a special award for her excellent work as a student.
Her Career Journey
While studying for her master's degree, Baxter worked as a substitute teacher. She also worked in drug discovery, which is about finding new medicines. She shared her experiences as a Black woman working in science research. Baxter also taught biology at Erie Community College. She says this teaching experience helped her decide what she wanted to do next. Before finishing her Ph.D., she helped students as an academic adviser at Buffalo State.
In 2020, Raven Baxter was asked to give a main speech at a big science communication event called SciComm2020. She also had an idea for a TV show called "Nerdy Jobs." This show would be like "Dirty Jobs" but about science careers. Another famous science communicator, Hank Green, liked her idea and offered to help fund a first episode.
Also in 2020, Fortune Magazine recognized Baxter as an important new leader in healthcare. They named her one of their "40 Under 40 in Health." This list highlights 40 people under 40 years old who are making a big difference in health.
In 2021, Baxter started her own clothing line called Smarty Pants Clothing. It features STEM-themed designs. She also gave a talk about leadership and communication. In the same year, Baxter and another student from the University of Buffalo helped start the #BlackInSciCom and #BlackInNano hashtags on Twitter. These hashtags were part of a bigger effort to show more Black scientists. She also worked with the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) to make videos about climate change for students.
In 2022, Baxter received several important awards. Ebony Magazine named her a Power 100 Trailblazer in STEM. Forbes Magazine also included her in their "30 Under 30" list for Science. This was for her amazing work in science communication, especially through rapping. She also received a Woman of Distinction Award from the American Association of University Women.
As of 2024, she works for Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. She does this job remotely, meaning she works from a different location.
Science and Music
Raven Baxter started making science education videos in 2017. She uses music and rap to teach about science. She has used her online platforms to share correct information about COVID-19 and vaccines.
In 2021, she released "Big Ole Geeks." This song was a fun science version of a popular song. She also made "Wipe It Down," which was a parody song with important information and safety tips about the COVID-19 pandemic. Her song "The Antibody Song" also became very popular. It was a science parody of another well-known song. When some people shared wrong information about vaccines, Baxter shared a rap song she made that explained how vaccines work.
Personal Life
In May 2024, Raven Baxter was trying to buy a home. Her real estate agent told her that the seller decided not to sell the home to her. Baxter shared this news online. She then filed claims about unfair treatment with housing offices. Later, the seller changed their mind, and the home sale was expected to be completed.
Awards and Recognition
- 2022 Woman of Distinction Award from the American Association of University Women
- Ebony Magazine Power 100 Trailblazer in STEM
- 2022 Named to Forbes Magazine's 30 Under 30 in Science
- 2020 Named to Fortune Magazine's 40 Under 40 in Health
- 2018 Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship, the University at Buffalo
